Choosing Car Colors: The Pros and Cons of Going White

Okay, choosing a car color should be the fun part of the process, right? But it's easy to blank out if you aren't wild about any one color. That's probably why so many of us end up with white cars. But is that a good thing? Here's the lowdown...

The Case FOR White Cars

• Sometimes, it boils down to looks: Some cars just rock in white (sports cars, anyone?), while others can look a bit...meh. Wheels and trim make a big difference, be careful with those black plastic bits against white paint - that contrast can be rough.

• Resale? Meh, not so much: Sure, that neon purple might scare away future buyers, but most modern colors are fine resale-wise. Don't sweat it unless you're choosing between super-bold and basic white.

• Sometimes they truly are cheaper: Often, basic white is the standard no-charge paint for new cars. Metallic white can cost more, but the flat white can save some cash.

• Hiding the evidence: White's great for hiding scratches and those little dings that happen in parking lots. BUT it shows every speck of winter grime. It's a tradeoff - clean to look sharp, or dark to hide the dirt but show every tiny scratch.

• Blending in can be a plus: White's super-common. Vans, work trucks, boring sedans - they're usually white. That protects resale and makes your car just part of the traffic flow. Good if you like flying under the radar.

The Case AGAINST White Cars

• Do you REALLY like it? If not, there are a lot of other cool options out there. Going white just to be safe can be a letdown.

• It's hard to keep clean: Road grime, dust, bird doo-doo... white cars show it ALL. Be honest, are you going to wash it often?

• White can be boring: It's the most common color out there. If you want your car to feel special or show off your personality, white might not be the ticket.

The Verdict

White cars are perfectly fine! They're practical and easy to live with. But if you're longing for something different, go for it. Don't let fear of the unknown or old-school ideas about resale push you into a car color you secretly hate.